GLOBAL NEWS, January 25, 2026 — As China's "Dual Carbon" strategy advances into deeper implementation and sustainable development solidifies its position as a core global agenda, the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concept is profoundly reshaping the value logic and developmental trajectory of the architecture and construction industry. The sector is decisively transitioning from a historical phase of "scale expansion" to a new era defined by "value creation" and "responsible growth." During this critical transformative period, ESG has evolved beyond a mere compliance requirement into a vital metric defining an enterprise's core competitiveness and future viability.

To recognize exemplary enterprises that have made systematic and innovative outstanding contributions in the ESG field and are tangibly steering the industry's value transformation, the authoritative industry platform ARCHINA Architecture China officially announces the 2025 (Fifth) "Architecture China – Most Influential Brands" series list, specifically the "Top Ten ESG Socially Responsible Brand Enterprises."

This selection was jointly initiated by the Architecture China Brand Research Center and the New Media Data Research Center. Guided by the annual theme "Digital Empowerment, Green for a Sustainable Future, Global Leadership," and leveraging the WMAA brand evaluation system developed through ARCHINA's 23 years of deep industry cultivation, the assessment conducted a comprehensive quantitative evaluation. It measured participants across four key dimensions: new media influence, industry recognition, participation in professional activities, and global awards, while also incorporating a thorough review of their substantive ESG contributions, innovative practices, and industry leadership.

Upon the list's release, Wu Lei, Founder of ARCHINA Architecture China, commented: "This list is more than an honor roll; it serves as a significant window into observing the evolution of values within China's architecture industry. It clearly demonstrates that leading enterprises have successfully internalized ESG, transforming it from external pressure into a core strategic driver of innovation. ESG practices are actively reconstructing corporate product logic, management systems, and brand essence, becoming an indispensable component of fostering new quality productive forces within the construction sector. We are gratified to see that diverse practices, from international giants to local pioneers, are converging into a powerful collective force propelling industry-wide transformation."

2025 Architecture China Top Ten ESG Socially Responsible Brand Enterprises
(Listed in No Particular Order)

AECOM

Gensler

Rocco Design Architects Limited (RLP Asia)

Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd. (TJAD)

CITIC General Institute of Architectural Design and Research Co., Ltd.

China Institute of Building Standard Design & Research Co., Ltd.

China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Corp. Ltd.

Shanghai Research Institute of Building Sciences Co., Ltd.

Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co., Ltd.

Changsha Anji Engineering Design Co., Ltd.

AECOM

AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure, consistently places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, committed to building a more resilient and lower-carbon world. Guided by its "Sustainable Legacies" framework, the company integrates planning, design, engineering, and full lifecycle management services to deliver innovative solutions for clients, addressing climate challenges and enhancing ecological value.

In China, AECOM actively pursues localized deep cultivation combined with global expertise, engaging profoundly in urban renewal, ecological restoration, and low-carbon transition. For instance, in projects like the Wuxi Old Town Renewal and the Suzhou Jinji Lake Public Space Enhancement, AECOM not only focused on improving spatial quality and functional revitalization but also integrated biodiversity conservation, climate adaptability, and public health considerations into the designs, helping these cities achieve a green leap forward. In 2025, the company launched its "Urban Intelligence & Advisory" service, leveraging digital tools for full lifecycle carbon analysis and management, further strengthening its technical leadership in sustainable infrastructure and resilient city development.

Through its systematic ESG practices and significant achievements, AECOM continues to set industry benchmarks, demonstrating the steadfast commitment and exceptional capabilities of international enterprises in promoting high-quality, responsible development within China.

Gensler

Gensler, a global employee-owned architecture, design, and planning firm with over 6,000 professionals, is driven by the mission "to create a better world through the power of design." Consistently ranked number one in major architectural publications for years, it stands as one of the world's largest architectural design companies. Its ESG leadership is evidenced by the deep integration of sustainability into all aspects of its practice, from strategy to project execution.

Gensler's ESG innovations are industry-leading. Its proprietary "Product Sustainability Standards (GPS)" pioneered a transparent and consistent assessment framework for 18 categories of common building materials, simplifying sustainable decision-making and contributing to its recognition on Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies list again in 2025. In practice, the firm champions the circular economy within the building industry, guiding clients towards closed-loop material use through dedicated research and accumulated case studies.

In the Chinese market, Gensler's sustainable design philosophy is profoundly embedded in numerous landmark projects. When designing Shanghai's BoHua Square, the team innovatively tilted the curtain wall inward by 3 degrees, significantly mitigating light pollution and its impact on the surrounding community. The project also integrated ice-storage air conditioning, variable air volume systems, and over 100 indoor air quality monitors, creating a high-standard, energy-efficient, and healthy office environment. Earlier, the Shanghai Tower project also proactively incorporated multiple filtration and sterilization systems within its air conditioning. In 2019 alone, Gensler's global designs contributed to an estimated reduction of approximately 16.4 million tons of carbon emissions.

With its global ESG innovation system, deep-rooted localized practice, and unwavering commitment to "designing for good," Gensler sets a powerful benchmark for seamlessly integrating social responsibility with exceptional design.

Rocco Design Architects Limited (RLP Asia)

As a pioneer in sustainable architecture across Asia, Rocco Design Architects Limited (RLP Asia) consistently upholds the design philosophy of "Human-centric, Future-focused, and Culture-connecting," dedicated to "designing better lives" within high-density urban environments. The firm embeds ESG principles deeply within its core operations, positioning itself as an industry leader committed to and actively implementing the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Its design practice strives to minimize the environmental footprint of buildings while maximizing social well-being.

RLP Asia's ESG leadership is demonstrated by translating sustainable commitments into quantifiable design actions and establishing industry benchmarks. The firm not only pledges to but actively achieves science-based carbon reduction targets in specific projects. Its representative work, the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Centre, exemplifies this through innovative multi-level public spaces, a high-performance curtain wall, intelligent energy-saving systems, and extensive vertical greenery, earning multiple green accolades including BEAM Plus Platinum Pre-certification and standing as a model that harmonizes community vitality with ultra-low energy consumption.

In mainland China, RLP Asia applies sustainable design principles with localized sensitivity. Projects like its contribution to the Guangzhou Yuehai · Tianhe City Mansion utilize adaptive design strategies to significantly enhance resource efficiency and spatial comfort. Supported by a team of over 550 professionals and a portfolio of distinguished Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and green building projects across Asia, RLP Asia consistently proves that exceptional design can simultaneously advance environmental, social, and commercial value, offering a viable path for the industry's journey towards a net-zero future.

Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd. (TJAD)

Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd. (TJAD), a premier design and consulting group backed by the century-old academic excellence of Tongji University, consistently regards sustainable development as a fundamental corporate responsibility. TJAD brings together a talent pool of over 4,000 professionals. Leveraging its unique integrated advantage in "industry-university-research-application" and adhering to an R&D model that moves "from engineering practice to research and back to practice," TJAD translates cutting-edge academic insights into practical green design and technical solutions, spearheading the industry's transition towards a low-carbon future.

TJAD's ESG commitment is deeply embedded across its portfolio of nearly ten thousand projects worldwide. In the design of Shanghai Tower, it integrated and applied multiple leading-edge energy-saving and renewable energy technologies. In cultural landmarks like the Shanghai Museum East Branch, it actively explores the fusion of natural lighting, local materials, and sponge city concepts. Beyond project work, the group has taken the lead in compiling dozens of national and industry standards, such as the Design Standard for Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings. Furthermore, by releasing the "TJAD Carbon Neutrality Action Outline," it systematically drives carbon reduction targets throughout its entire business chain. From super-tall buildings and major transportation hubs to urban public space renewals, TJAD consistently employs design innovation to reduce environmental impact and enhance social welfare.

Through exceptional engineering practice, TJAD vividly illustrates the responsibility and pivotal role of design enterprises as backbone forces in societal development, serving as a nationally significant technical powerhouse driving green and high-quality development in urban and rural construction.

CITIC General Institute of Architectural Design and Research Co., Ltd.

CITIC General Institute of Architectural Design and Research Co., Ltd., a core technology-driven company under China CITIC Group, has ingrained sustainable development into its corporate strategy since its founding in 1952. The company actively fulfills its responsibility as a state-owned enterprise, guided by the principle of "Empowering through Design, Fostering Green Development." It weaves ESG principles throughout the entire architectural design process, committed to creating exemplary projects that balance social benefit, environmental friendliness, and economic efficiency.

CITIC Design's ESG practice manifests as systematic industry leadership coupled with robust project implementation. On the environmental front, the company is a proactive advocate and practitioner of green building standards. In recent years, it has led or participated in drafting multiple provincial-level carbon peaking implementation plans and green technology standards for urban-rural development, securing dozens of certifications related to green buildings and near-zero energy consumption, and applying low-carbon design systems across diverse project types. Regarding social responsibility, its portfolio includes a significant number of major public welfare projects such as hospitals and cultural venues, using design to elevate public health and service quality. With comprehensive service capabilities spanning green consulting and low-carbon technology integration, CITIC Design has established itself as a recognized brand in sustainable design consultancy within the industry.

Drawing upon over seven decades of professional heritage, CITIC Design vividly embodies the mission and responsibility of state-owned design institutes in propelling the industry's green transformation and high-quality development, steadfastly progressing towards its vision of becoming a sustainable "century-old brand."

China Institute of Building Standard Design & Research Co., Ltd.

China Institute of Building Standard Design & Research Co., Ltd., established in 1956 as a central government-administered technology enterprise, is the foundational pioneer and continuous leader in standardization within China's construction sector. Guided by the ethos of "Everything to the Highest Standard," the Institute deeply aligns its corporate mission of "Advancing Technology, Leading Industrial Upgrade" with ESG and sustainable development principles. Through its authoritative service system encompassing "Standards, Design, and Research," it fundamentally defines and shapes the benchmarks and practical pathways for the green, safe, and inclusive development of China's construction industry.

Environmentally, the Institute constitutes the core framework of the green and low-carbon building standard system. It has authored 12 international standards and over 300 national and industry standards, and has organized the compilation of National Building Standard Designs utilized in over 90% of construction projects across China, systematically embedding critical requirements like energy conservation, carbon reduction, and resource cycling into industry norms. Concurrently, as the domestic对口单位 (focal point) for several ISO Technical Committees, it actively leads and participates in global dialogues and cooperation on sustainable building standards.

Socially, its work has a direct impact on public welfare and social equity. The Institute conducts forward-looking research and develops standards in fourteen key areas including accessibility facilities, elderly care architecture, rural revitalization, and urban renewal. It strives to use technical means to enhance the inclusivity, safety, and human-centered care of the built environment, ensuring that developmental benefits reach people of all ages and across all regions.

Supported by an innovation ecosystem comprising top-tier platforms such as the National Prefabricated Building Industrial Base and Academician Workstations, and led by a professional team featuring Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and National Engineering Survey and Design Masters, the Institute employs science and technology as its driving force, continuously providing indispensable foundational support and systematic solutions for the high-quality and sustainable development of the construction industry.

China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Corp. Ltd.

China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Corp. Ltd. (CSWADI), established in 1950, is one of the founding and leading enterprises in China's architectural design industry. As a core technology-based subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), CSWADI deeply embeds ESG principles into its "Technology + Management + Investment" development model. Keeping pace with national strategies, it has formed a distinctive sustainable development practice system that reflects regional characteristics and possesses an international outlook.

On the environmental dimension, CSWADI drives green innovation through top-down design. Its projects fully respect the climatic assets and ecological features of Southwest China, integrating passive design strategies, local materials, and renewable energy sources into large-scale public buildings and complex developments. By spearheading the development of regional green standards and releasing industry-first publications like its Carbon Neutrality White Paper, it sets benchmarks for the industry's low-carbon transition and fosters collaborative emission reduction across the supply chain.

On the social dimension, its practice emphasizes humanistic care and resilience building. CSWADI is deeply involved in major livelihood projects such as rural revitalization and emergency medical facility construction, applying a full-lifecycle design approach to enhance community safety and service resilience. Through its integrated full-chain solutions covering planning, design, consulting, and EPC contracting, it ensures social responsibility is embedded throughout every project phase.

With profound accumulated experience from over ten thousand domestic and international projects and its forward-looking ESG practices, CSWADI not only leads within the industry but also provides comprehensive "CSWADI Solutions" for creating climate-resilient and socially inclusive human habitats.

Shanghai Research Institute of Building Sciences Co., Ltd.

Shanghai Research Institute of Building Sciences Co., Ltd. (SRIBS), a core national high-tech enterprise under Shanghai Jianke Group Co., Ltd. (603153.SH), is honored to be named a 2025 "Top Ten ESG Socially Responsible Brand Enterprise in Architecture China." Recognized as one of the inaugural "Shanghai Brand" certified companies and a Top 10 performer in China's Green Building Competitiveness rankings, SRIBS operates with the core philosophy of "Safety & Resilience, Green & Smart." It deeply integrates ESG into its technology R&D and industrial services, which span the entire lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure.

Environmentally, SRIBS is an authoritative technical leader and standard-setter in the green and low-carbon building domain. It has authored or co-authored over 300 green and energy efficiency standards, led the compilation of the ESG Performance Evaluation Standard for Construction Field Projects, and is accredited as a third-party assessment body for zero-carbon buildings and districts. Its proprietary "Building Carbon Emission Digital Monitoring Platform" has provided carbon reduction diagnostics for more than 500 projects nationwide, achieving annual energy savings equivalent to 150,000 tons of standard coal (roughly reducing 390,000 tons of CO2). In 2025, one of its technology subsidiaries was further designated a Shanghai "Zero-Carbon Factory," establishing a new benchmark for green manufacturing in the sector.

Socially, the company employs cutting-edge technology to safeguard urban safety and preserve historical heritage. Supported by 16 high-level platforms including national inspection & testing centers and provincial/ministerial key laboratories, it has produced outstanding achievements in building safety appraisal, urban renewal, and historic building conservation. By integrating technologies like digital twins and smart fire prevention into urban renewal and public welfare projects—achievements that have earned it the Shanghai Special Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress—SRIBS uses technological prowess to reinforce urban safety defenses.

With a professional team exceeding 1,200 members (over 40% holding Master's or PhD degrees) led by experts recognized with the State Council Special Allowance and as Shanghai Leading Talents, SRIBS translates ESG principles into concrete actions and solutions, serving as a core technological engine driving the construction industry's transformation towards a greener, safer, and smarter future.

Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co., Ltd.

Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co., Ltd. (IBR), a national high-tech enterprise and the designated South China Base for Green Buildings, is a trailblazer and leader in exploring sustainable urban development pathways with Chinese characteristics. IBR has developed a comprehensive business system addressing green buildings, communities, districts, and eco-cities, offering integrated technology services that cover the full process from "diagnosis, planning, and construction to operation and renewal." It transforms ESG concepts into practical, verifiable, and scalable systemic solutions.

On the environmental front, IBR is an independent innovator and an empirical benchmark in green building technology. Its "IBR Building," completed in 2009 based on a "low-cost, Chinese approach," became a national Three-Star Green Building典范 (exemplar). The "Future Building,"unveiled in 2022, integrates cutting-edge technologies such as "Photovoltaics, Storage, Direct Current, and Flexibility (PSDCF)" and steel-structure modular construction, serving as a new experimental ground for exploring ultra-low energy consumption and a paradigm shift in building energy systems. These two self-initiated projects, a decade apart, completely诠释 (illustrate) its evolution from technology application to systemic innovation.

Socially, its practice deeply embodies public science education and value sharing. As a National Science Education Base, IBR continuously promotes green concepts to society through its physical buildings, research outcomes, and public engagement activities. Its technical service system significantly contributes to urban renewal, community building, and large-scale district development (e.g., Shenzhen's Guangming Science City), striving to enhance the health, inclusivity, and resilience of human habitats.

Leveraging its unique synergistic model of "R&D-Design-Operation" across multiple business lines, IBR not only provides technical services but also offers a complete template for realizing concepts through the continual construction and operation of its own "experimental buildings." It acts as a key innovation engine propelling the architecture industry's transition toward a human-centric, green, and low-carbon future.

Changsha Anji Engineering Design Co., Ltd.

Changsha Anji Engineering Design Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive Class-A design institution with a presence in 13 key cities across China. The firm deeply integrates the concept of sustainable development into its service ethos of "Creating Value Through Professionalism." Backed by a full-spectrum team covering planning, architecture, interior design, and technology, and drawing from experience gained in over a thousand projects across 29 cities, the company actively explores innovative pathways for implementing ESG principles in market-driven projects, showcasing the dynamism and responsibility of private design enterprises.

Environmentally, the company is an active integrator and innovative promoter of green and healthy building technologies. It systematically incorporates sustainable technology systems—including high-performance building envelopes, low-carbon energy-saving systems, and healthy, eco-friendly materials—into diverse project types such as residential, commercial, and educational facilities. Benchmark projects like Zhengzhou Vanke · Cuiwan Zhongcheng exemplify the deep fusion of green technology with high-quality living environments. Furthermore, the company has established a standardized internal green design review process, embedding ESG objectives at the initial schematic design stage to ensure sustainability guides the project from conception to completion.

Socially, its work is consistently anchored in community integration and humanistic care. In the fields of urban renewal, cultural-tourism development, and public architecture, its designs employ refined techniques to revitalize community life, preserve local cultural heritage, and enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of public spaces. Additionally, the company continually strengthens its R&D efforts, building a proprietary patent portfolio in cutting-edge areas like Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), thereby driving the tangible implementation of social responsibility through robust innovation.

With demonstrated exceptional design prowess (having earned prestigious awards including the international A+ Design Award and recognition at the WAF World Architecture Festival) and an efficient nationwide service network, the company验证 (validates) the synergistic advancement of market-oriented operations and ESG responsibility in practice, offering a replicable实践样本 (model for practice) for private design firms committed to sustainable development.

Trend & Release: ESG Constructs the Foundation for Architectural Resilience and Competitiveness

The release of the "Top Ten ESG Socially Responsible Brand Enterprises" list offers a clear panorama of the leading practices shaping China's construction industry on its sustainable development journey. From the conceptual leadership and standard integration of international firms, to the R&D breakthroughs) and standard-setting by national leaders, to the localized implementation and technical support from design institutes, and the market-driven innovation of private companies—together, they form a multi-dimensional, full-chain ESG value ecosystem. The practices of these enterprises demonstrate that ESG is no longer a singular environmental concern but a core strategic framework that drives design innovation, optimizes management processes, reshapes brand value, and ultimately fuels long-term business growth.

This list was simultaneously released through ARCHINA Architecture China's extensive network of over 50 global multimedia platforms, aiming to share the leading practices and narratives of responsible brands from China's construction sector with international professional networks.

Wu Lei, founder of ARCHINA Architecture China, concluded: "When we discuss the future of the architecture industry, responsibility and value have become inseparable—two sides of the same coin. The ten enterprises honored today, through their distinctive exceptional exceptional practices, prove that ESG is a critical pathway for responding to the challenges of our era and building resilience for future development. They are not merely adopters of green technologies but also advocates for responsible principles and explorers of sustainable business models. We anticipate that this list will inspire and guide more enterprises to deeply integrate ESG into their strategies and operations, collectively propelling Chinese architecture to secure not only market share but also future discourse power and leadership in value within the global tide of sustainable development."

Reportedly, all recognized enterprises will be invited to participate in a series of activities including ARCHINA's 2025 Brand Influence in-depth interviews, featured "Inside the Brand Enterprise" special reports, and high-level industry forums. These engagements offer profound brand exposure and resource networking opportunities, with the goal of transforming their advanced experiences into shared assets for the industry and elevating the sustainable development of the construction sector to new heights.